Mobile Archives

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Google redesigns the search bar in its Android app

Google is redesigning the search bar on its Android app, introducing a new "plus" button for easier access to file uploads and AI tools in version 17.65.17. The updated search bar has a slimmer profile with a clean white background and a soft shadow effect. The plus icon allows users to attach images or files, create visuals using Nano Banana, or switch models in AI Mode. The shortcut buttons beneath the search bar now include descriptive text: "Create" for Nano Banana and "Talk" for Search Live. The redesign simplifies the file attachment process, making it more visible. The update is rolling out broadly, but no specific timeline for availability in the UAE has been announced. Users need to update to version 17.65.17 to access the new features, and the rollout may not be immediate for all. The new plus button does not add new features but provides quicker access to existing options.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Android Malware Caught by Teaching AI to Read Apps as Pictures

A research team from Turkey, led by Erdal Başaran and Ömer Okucu of Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, along with Yusuf Alaca from Hitit University, has developed an innovative detection framework for Android malware that utilizes a visual approach. This framework transforms key features of Android applications into images, allowing a Vision Transformer to differentiate between benign software and malware. The researchers created two types of images from static and dynamic analysis features: a conventional 2D grayscale image and a QR code image. Separate Vision Transformer models were trained on each image type, and spatial pooling features were extracted from deeper layers to create a comprehensive representation of application behavior. To refine the fused feature vector, Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) was employed, enhancing classification clarity and reducing computational load. The final classification utilized a majority-voting ensemble strategy, achieving a detection accuracy of 98.72 percent, surpassing standalone models. The study demonstrates that the multimodal system outperforms individual grayscale or QR code pathways. The dataset used is publicly available, promoting reproducibility. The framework's reliance on static and dynamic analysis features allows it to adapt to new threats, and the novel QR code representation offers distinctive visual signatures of malicious behavior. However, challenges remain regarding feature extraction quality and computational demands.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

Googlebook improving ‘Better Together’ Android sync features, Samsung support rolling out

The launch of Googlebook has generated interest due to its integration with Android devices, but initial rollout revealed inconsistencies in the "Better Together" sync features. Google is addressing these issues through updates, including support for Samsung devices. Core functionalities linking Android phones with Googlebook include app streaming, notification synchronization, and the "Continue On" feature, though not all features are performing as expected. Users have reported that while Instant Hotspot works effectively, other features are slow or unavailable. Google has announced improvements to simplify the setup process and resolved a bug related to the QR code used for pairing. Users should ensure their Google Play Services is updated to version 26.37 and Cross-device Services to version 1.0.1346. Initially, there was a lack of support for Galaxy smartphones, but recent updates have allowed Samsung users to utilize the "Better Together" features. To maximize the experience with Googlebook, users should confirm their phone runs Android 17, check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, use a private home Wi-Fi network, and verify relevant app versions and settings. Some Samsung Galaxy users have reported successful integration of the features following updates, indicating that initial compatibility issues have been resolved.

AppWizard

October 11, 2026

This Android TV launcher gave me screen time controls, but I’m still not switching from Monet

PLUI, or Premium Launcher TV UI, is an Android TV launcher that offers a feature-rich experience without premium fees. It features a vibrant interface with an app list, colorful widgets, and a sidebar menu, but can appear cluttered and overwhelming. The performance on devices like the Chromecast with Google TV can be sluggish compared to lighter alternatives. PLUI provides extensive customization options, including over 80 weather-related widgets, photo slideshows, and security camera feeds. Users can select backgrounds from sources like Reddit and NASA, and apply a blur effect. It supports multiple user profiles, accommodating up to ten accounts, and includes parental controls such as screen time limits. However, its performance and user experience may not surpass lighter launchers like Monet, which offers similar features in a more streamlined manner.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

Why Alternative App Stores Are Gaining Popularity Among Android Power Users

An alternative app store allows users to access apps and games not available on official platforms like the Google Play Store, including older versions, regional apps, and open-source options. Types of alternative app stores include third-party Android stores, open-source platforms, modified APK stores, regional stores, free app stores, and game-focused stores. Users explore these stores for a broader selection of apps, including those restricted by geography. Alternative app stores can provide apps that Google Play does not, such as regional apps and modified applications. When choosing an alternative app store, users should consider the platform’s reputation, app descriptions, update frequency, security measures, and source verification. Alternative app stores differ from Google Play by offering more flexibility and access to unique content, though security and developer support may vary. Modified apps are altered versions that may offer enhanced features. Alternative app stores are important for overcoming regional barriers and providing ad-free experiences. They host a variety of apps, including multiple versions of a single application, and typically feature user-friendly search functionalities. Comprehensive app information is often available, including version data and permissions. Some stores focus on open-source and independent apps. The legality of using alternative app stores depends on licensing and local laws, and they often feature apps not found on Google Play. Many alternative stores provide multiple app versions, and only reliable ones may offer faster updates.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

How to easily sideload Android apps on your new Googlebook

Chrome Unboxed offers support for independent tech journalism and provides an ad-free experience with membership benefits. Android gamers face challenges with popular titles like Call of Duty: Mobile, which are unavailable for installation on Googlebook via the Play Store. Users can sideload apps on Googlebook OS, built on Android 17, without the limitations of the Play Store. The sideloading process involves downloading an APK from a trusted source, allowing unknown apps in Chrome, and installing the app. Google Play Protect monitors installed applications for malicious activity, but users should still exercise caution when sideloading.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

Asus Googlebook 14 Review: For Android, By Android

Googlebook 14 features Googlebook OS, which is based on Android and incorporates elements from ChromeOS, offering a familiar user experience for Android users. The interface resembles that of Android devices, with home screens, quick settings, and app access similar to smartphones. Integration with Android phones allows users to access apps, notifications, and files directly from the laptop. The "Continue On" feature enables users to pin phone apps to the Googlebook taskbar for easy transitions between devices. However, Googlebook OS lacks support for traditional desktop software, limiting the functionality of Android apps available through Google Play. Google is addressing compatibility issues by labeling apps for desktop use in the Play Store. New features like Magic Pointer, Proactive Suggestions, and Rambler are introduced, but the OS still requires significant improvements in app compatibility and desktop interface optimization. Google has faced challenges in developer support for optimizing applications for Googlebook OS.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

It’s Not Gone: The Feature Android Auto Users Love Is Still There, Google Says

The wavy progress bar in Android Auto's music applications has disappeared for some users, leading to speculation about its permanent removal. Google clarified that the squiggly line has not been eliminated, attributing the inconsistency to app developers' ability to customize the progress bar's appearance. Users have observed that the wavy progress bar may appear in the Coolwalk screen but reverts to a standard straight line in full-screen mode. Additionally, any app capable of playing media now utilizes a dedicated card on the Coolwalk screen, allowing users to see song information and playback controls. This feature is live on production devices with the latest updates of Android Auto.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

Walmart is selling a Android tablet for only $90

The Zonko Android 16 Tablet is currently available at Walmart for under 0 during a limited-time Flash deal, including an accessory bundle. It features a 10-inch display with a resolution of 1280×800 HD, dual speakers, and a dual-camera setup with an 8MP front camera and a 13MP rear camera. The tablet runs on the Android 16 operating system, has 12GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, expandable up to 512GB. It is equipped with a 6000mAh battery that lasts between 32 to 48 hours, and offers dual-band 2.4G/5G WiFi. The purchase includes a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, stylus pen, screen protector, protective case, and charger. The device supports Google Mobile Services and comes with parental controls. However, it has received only a few reviews and does not support downloading Apple apps, except for Apple TV or Apple Music.

AppWizard

October 10, 2026

Google redesigns the search bar in its Android app

Google has updated the search bar on the home screen of its Android app in version 17.65.17, introducing a new "plus" button for easier access to file uploads and AI tools. The redesigned search bar is slimmer with a white background, a border, and a shadow effect. The plus icon on the left allows users to attach images or files, create visuals with Nano Banana, or switch models in AI Mode, while the microphone and Google Lens icons remain on the right. The two shortcut buttons beneath the search bar now have text labels: "Create" for Nano Banana and "Talk" for Search Live, improving usability. The update is being rolled out broadly, but no specific timeline has been provided for when users in the UAE will receive it. Users need to update the app to version 17.65.17 to access the new search bar, and the plus button does not add new features but provides quicker access to existing ones.